In this episode of Coffee & History, Caroline and Susan sit down with Dr. Sonjia Parker Redmond and Dr. Beatrice J. Adams—co‑editors of the forthcoming book Children of the Struggle and the Ancestors Who Stayed by the University of Alabama Press, 2026. Together, they explore 21 powerful stories of the Tuskegee Institute High School Class of 1964 and the families who remained in the South during the Great Migration. From community resistance to the meaning of land ownership, Dr. Redmond and Dr. Adams share why these stories matter today. Pour a cup and join us for a heartfelt conversation rooted in courage, memory, and place.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

In this episode of Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, we sit down with Henry Sledge, author, historian, and son of Eugene Sledge—the Marine whose iconic memoir With the Old Breed shaped our understanding of the Pacific War. Henry shares the deeply personal journey behind his new book, The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed, which combines never-before-published material from his father's original manuscript with his own reflections.

Join us as Henry talks about growing up with a father who carried the weight of war, the powerful stories of K Company Marines, and the emotional connections forged with families of World War II veterans. From behind-the-scenes insights into HBO's The Pacific to anecdotes about Eugene Sledge's humor and resilience, this conversation is both moving and enlightening.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Grab your favorite cup and join us for a lively chat with author and journalist Kelly Kazek, the queen of quirky Alabama tales! From Huntsville's butter-producing cow to the legacy of Kathryn Tucker Windham, Kelly shares stories that celebrate Southern culture, folklore, and roadside oddities. Hear about her writing adventures, her friendship with Fannie Flagg, and why Harper Lee tops her dream dinner list. Plus, discover the secrets behind Alabama's most unusual landmarks and the inspiration for Kelly's beloved books. This episode is in memory of Wil Elrik, husband of Kelly Kazek and contributing author for Alabama Heritage magazine. Our team extends its sincerest condolences to the family. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Join host Rebecca Minder on Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage as she sits down with two of Alabama's most dedicated educators—Jarrod Smitherman, a veteran social studies teacher at J.B. Pennington High School, and Pam Ancelet, digital learning coordinator and virtual history teacher in Albertville. Recorded on location at Lake Guntersville State Park, this lively discussion dives into the evolving world of education: from textbook selection and technology in the classroom to virtual field trips and hands-on learning. Hear their personal journeys into teaching, creative passions beyond the classroom, and even rapid-fire questions that reveal their quirks. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or just curious about how Alabama's history is taught today, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and inspiration. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Grab your coffee and join us as we preview the Winter 2026 issue of Alabama Heritage! This issue is packed with stories you won't want to miss—life inside WWII POW camps, the mystery of actress Florence Elmore, a rediscovered Civil War grave, and the inventive genius of Max Carl Gritzner. Plus, explore Calhoun County and meet Alabama Makers. Get a sneak peek before the magazine hits your mailbox! Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Forty-three episodes. Dozens of guests. One unforgettable year. In this milestone episode, Rebecca, Susan, and Caroline share their favorite interviews, behind-the-scenes surprises, and the lessons learned along the way. It's a celebration of Alabama's history—and of you, our listeners. Join us for laughs, gratitude, and a sneak peek at what's brewing for year two! Bonus: We're giving away our favorite Coffee & History mugs! Make sure you listen to the episode to find out more details on how to enter out giveaway. Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

This week, Rebecca Todd Minder ventures to Fairhope, Alabama, for a captivating conversation with acclaimed historian and author John Sledge. From his deep roots in Mobile's rich history to his adventures exploring Havana's cultural ties, John shares fascinating stories of the Gulf Coast, maritime heritage, and the inspirations behind his 10 books. Hear about his family's remarkable legacy, his thoughts on preserving Southern history, and even the secrets of Mobile's Mardi Gras traditions. Whether you love architecture, coastal lore, or untold Southern stories, this episode is a journey you won't want to miss! Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

We're back at the Alabama Department of Archives and History for an incredible episode with Jeanie Thompson—poet, visionary, and champion of Alabama's literary arts. From founding the Alabama Writers Forum and the Writers Hall of Fame to creating transformative programs like Writing Our Stories for justice-involved youth, Jeanie has spent decades shaping the cultural landscape of the South. In this episode, she shares her journey from MFA student to award-winning author, her passion for collaboration across art forms, and the story behind her latest creative venture: turning poetry into music. Discover how Jeanie's work continues to empower voices, preserve heritage, and prove that art can change lives. Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com *Larry Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning producer who works with Jeanie Thompson Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians

In our latest "At The Archives" episode, Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage goes behind the scenes at the Alabama Department of Archives and History with Ryan Blocker, Museum Collections Coordinator. With more than 15 years of experience, Ryan shares her passion for textiles, historic clothing, and the stories woven into Alabama's past—from the iconic Freedom Quilting Bee to the state's official Pine Burr quilt pattern. Discover how artifacts, from brooches to military uniforms, help tell the story of Alabama's people, and learn what it takes to preserve over half a million objects for future generations. If you love history, fashion, or fascinating behind-the-scenes details, this episode is a must-listen! Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

We are back on the road! We're at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery with Meredith McDonough, head of digital assets. Discover how her team digitizes priceless collections—from Civil War documents to historic TV footage—while tackling challenges like fragile scrapbooks and fading handwriting. Learn how YOU can help transcribe historic records and uncover hidden treasures like civil rights photography.

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians